Category: Defence

Discussion On Lakshadweep’s Strategic Importance In Geopolitics

Watch Out for a Discussion On How Along With the Boost in Tourism, Lakshadweep Strategic Importance Plays A Bigger Role In The GeoPolitics.

Lakshadweep is a picturesque group of 36 islands,  famous for its rich biodiversity, blessed with the hue of natural opulence and surrounded by turquoise water bodies.The word Lakshadweep translates to “one lakh islands” in Malayalam and Sanskrit, though the islands are just one part of the archipelago of no more than a hundred islands. Lakshadweep, with its untapped potential and strategic location, presents a unique opportunity for India to bolster its economic and security interests in the Indian Ocean region.

Who would have imagined that a simple trip by Prime Minister Modi to these SW frontiers   on 02 January 2024 and a tweet  highlighting its pristine beauty and untapped potential would cause an international-relations storm of epic proportions. Three junior ministers from Maldives reacted strangely, posted disparaging and derogatory tweets followed by Boycott Maldives call by Indian celebrities and Bollywood. All this has brought focus on Lakshadweep archipelago with thousands of travelers flooding the net with searches for tour packages to Lakshadweep.

UNTAPPED POTENTIAL 

For centuries, Lakshadweep has been a beauty spot in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean.  Only 10 of the 36 islands are inhabited and the total population is only about 73,000, smaller than an average town in India.
Presently, the scintillating Lakshadweep which looks like emeralds embedded on a turquoise sea attracts less than ten thousand tourists annually. Developing the islands by   investing in infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism, and strengthening security measures are crucial steps and by doing so, India can transform this undiscovered asset into a shining beacon of prosperity and security in the Indian Ocean region.

PIVOTAL LOCATION

Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 islands that are located some 400 km to the west of Kerala. Of the 36 islands, only 10 are inhabited. The islands have a total land area of just 32 sq km but confer a 400,000-sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 96% of its population is Muslim and has a linguistic, cultural and religious affiliation with the people of Kerala.    Lakshadweep stands as sentinel in the Indian Ocean, overseeing the Sea Lines Of Communication (SLOC) that pass through ‘Nine Degree Channel’ named after the latitude that passes through the archipelago. Indian maritime agencies are keeping a close eye on the Nine Degree Channel, which separates Minicoy island from the main Lakshadweep archipelago. The channel is used by all merchantmen shuttling to and from Europe, the Middle East and western Asia, and south east Asia and the far east.

Possession of these islands away from the mainland provides a strategic and political advantage to India.  Therefore, the security and preservation of island territories from state and non-state actors is vital for India.

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

The strategic importance of these island groups, straddling the most heavily sailed international maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) needs no emphasis. Lakshadweep has assumed strategic importance in recent years with the rise of China and its efforts to increase it’s presence in Indian Ocean Region.  On April 7, 2021, the USS John Paul Jones, a guided-missile destroyer, passed just off the coast of Lakshadweep. The proximity to Lakshadweep was indicative of the strategic importance of the archipelago. It is matter of  concern that all major powers of the world are competing to show their presence militarily, diplomatically and politically to gain a foothold in the Indian Ocean Region (lOR).

Lakshadweep can serve India as a  Strategic Sentinel, Maritime Guardian and certainly as a Diplomatic Asset in the Indian Ocean. It’s strategic importance can be highlighted as follows-

o Naval Outpost: Lakshadweep islands can serve as the naval outpost for Indian Naval assets deployed in the Arabian Sea.

o Monitor Smuggling: Lakshadweep may be used as a base for smuggling of arms and narcotics in the country. The area needs to be secured for internal security.

o Tackle Piracy: Lakshadweep can serve as a vantage point to monitor any movement of pirate vessels in the Arabian Sea.

o Shipping Lines: The nine-degree channel near Lakshadweep is the shortest route for ships connecting west and East Asia. This can be effectively monitored from the Lakshadweep islands.

o Strategic Tool: Lakshadweep development can be used by India as a bargaining chip while dealing with China-favouring Maldives.

o Joint Domination of IOR. As  India emerges as a super power in the geopolitics of the globe and other major regional powers are joining hands with India, Lakshadweep can be used  as a hub for training and coordination of naval forces in the IOR. It is also strategically beneficial for joint excercises with friendly forces like  QUAD. 

DEFENCE

The Indian defence  establishments  in Lakshadweep has been enhanced over the years. In 2010, India  commissioned coast guard stations in Kavaratti and Minicoyislands, thus boosting the presence of the Indian Coast Guard. In 2012, the first naval base in the islands—INS Dweeprakshak, in capital Kavaratti was commissioned. In the same year, another coast guard station was commissioned in Androth, where a naval detachment moved in  2016. Besides surveillance, these detachments work as observance and reporting units. They can be enhanced as logistics bases. There are future plans for a fully operational navy base in Lakshadweep. A bigger facility on Minicoy is also under consideration, because of its proximity to the Maldives. The Indian Navy has a small presence in Lakshadweep, including naval air stations to conduct regional surveillance and monitoring operations. To achieve immense dominance over this region, India has to upgrade its military involvement in this region.

WAY AHEAD

After a prolonged period of neglect, Indian military planners are now starting to believe that Lakshadweep islands  can be used to counter China’s growing influence in neighbouring nations like the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Myanmar.  India needs to reorient it’s thinking on these islands. These islands are not merely to be defended but India needs to develop these islands as a ‘strategic strongpoint.’ The geographical location of these islands provides a tactical advantage to India during conflicts. If the need arises, Lakshdweep can also be used as an ‘unsinkable aircraft carrier’ away from the coastline of India.

There is potential for India to develop dual-use facilities in Lakshadweep for military and civilian purposes. Airfields and naval jetties on the islands can be upgraded to accommodate more traffic and larger aircraft. Helipads can enable the quick movement of personnel and equipment across islands. Most islands already have accommodation, storage, and logistical facilities which the navy uses during training and patrols. These facilities can serve tourism and military needs alike, with most infrastructure development funding coming from the growing tourism industry.

The local resistance to Lakshadweep turning into a tourism and strategic hotspot stems from a range of concerns. There might be apprehensions about preserving the distinct cultural identity of the islands, with fears that increased tourism and strategic developments could lead to a dilution of local traditions and practices. The inclusion of locals must be the first step in this development process. 

CONCLUSION

The current Lakshadweep-Maldives row is a spark that should propel us to take resolute steps to develop our island assets and bolster India’s maritime muscles. A well-orchestrated use of these islands, to further the Nation’s foreign and strategic policy, is the present requirement of India. Secure and stable Island territories would be the launch pad for India to rediscover its great maritime and political influence in this region. A thoughtful and comprehensive defence-centric strategy would be the key to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by this picturesque archipelago.

Discussion On Indian Navy’s Swift Action In The Arabian Sea

Discussion On Indian Navy’s Swift Action In The Arabian Sea, Monitoring A Hijacked  Merchant Vessel. To watch a detailed discussion watch the video. In conversation with Lieutenant Commander Praveen Goswami (Retd.) Indian Navy  & Maj. Gen. CP Sing (Retd.)

The Indian Navy reacted quickly to the distress call of a hijacking incident involving the Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen in the Arabian Sea, in a dramatic development in maritime history. Eighteen crew members were on board when the ship was taken over in the Arabian Sea a few days ago, according to officials. When the Indian Navy’s Mission Deployed platform received a Mayday message stating that at least six “pirates” had boarded the vessel, it moved quickly.

Hamas Israel War,Lesson For Indians,Trust Defence,Foreign Policy

Hamas Israel War,Lesson For Indians,Trust Defence,Foreign Policy

Hamas Israel War, Lessons For India, भारतीयों को भी सरकार की विदेश निति और फ़ौज पर भरोसा होना चाहिए, जैसे की इन हालत में Israel के लोगो  का अपनी मौजूदा सरकार पर देखा गया है ?

Hamas Attack On Israel से क्या मिलती है भारतवासियो को यह सीख, की देश की सुरक्षा में सरकारों द्वारा उठाये गए सख्त कदमो पर सवाल Question Mark नहीं लगाना चाहिए, Like as per some news reports no one questioned to Israel Prime minister as why government was caught napping when Hamas terrorist attack happened, and also no one questioned the decision taken by the Israel PM disbanding mill counts and about the conduct of war.

देश की सुरक्षा, सम्मान और कल्याण सर्वोपरी, हमेशा और हर बार -मेजर. जनरल. सी. पी. सिंह की दिलचस्प कथा

हर फ़ौजी के ज़हन में होता है की देश हमेशा सर्वोपरि है

हर फौजी को यह सीख दी जाती है की –

देश की सुरक्षा, सम्मान और कल्याण सर्वोपरी, हमेशा और हर बार

आगे, आपके द्वारा आदेशित जवानों का सम्मान, कल्याण और आराम

और अंत में, आपकी खुद की सुविधा, आराम और सुरक्षा, हमेशा और हर बार

हर फौजी इस सिखलाई को ना सिर्फ़ अपनी सेवा काल में निभाता है बल्कि जीवन के अंत तक इसे पालता है

यही एक बड़ी बात है जो भारतीय फौजीयोंको अन्य फ़ौजियोंसे बेहतर स्तर पर क़ायम करता है

The anecdote narration has been done by Maj Gen CP Singh (Retd) He was commissioned in the Regiment of Artillery in the year 1979. After meritorious service of 36 years he retired in Dec 2015.

He has held prestigious positions in the Army and has served in operational areas of J & K and Sri Lanka. He is a qualified helicopter pilot has has flown for more than 1000 hours. The General was awarded ‘Mention-in-Despatches’ for his gallantry during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. He has also been awarded Commendation Cards by four Army Commanders for his distinguished service in different positions.

A scholarly soldier, the General has keen interest in Strategic International Affairs and Military History. His academic qualifications include MA, M.Sc, MBA, LLB, M.Phil (Defence Management) and M.Phil (Strategic Affairs). Widely travelled within India and Abroad, he is an avid reader and a prolific writer. He has many articles published in various Defence and Civil journals/periodicals of repute. Maj Gen CP Singh, post retirement from the Army joined Amity University, Rajasthan as Dean, Student’s Welfare and Campus. He won accolades from all for his righteous conduct and exemplary personal demeanour. The management, Staff and the Students respected and loved him for his welfare oriented policies, full involvement with students and courage of conviction. He served the university for a duration of 30 months.

The General established logistics company named ‘Resolute Logistics Pvt Ltd’ and is today a Senior Director of the same.

Three times cancer survivor, the young veteran is is a fitness enthusiast cycling 12 kms and walking 6 kms each day. He also plays Golf and other sports.

Working with the ethos of giving back to the society more tha what he got, he shares his vast knowledge and experience to guide defence personnel and Servicemen to have a successful retired life. Using his time for larger good of the society, he mentors young students to to choose right career and helps them develop their personalities.

India’s odyssey in space – an insight

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) created history when it successfully launched its heaviest payload on Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) its heaviest rocket — carrying 36 satellites into space on 23 Oct 2022. This was the highest number of satellites ever launched from a launcher vehicle. Read more…

Ukraine: Who wins! Who cares!!

Ukraine: Who wins! Who cares!!

Maj Gen C P Singh, Retd

It gives me great pride as Indian to say that India is the only country in the world that liberated Bangladesh with surrender of fully armed one Lakh Pakistani troops in just 14 days. Even superpowers  have failed to do that.    The war in Ukraine has gone beyond 75 days, much against the expectations of the world and certainly, that of Russia. Sooner or later, the war will be over but the world will not be the same again. It’s ramifications will be felt for a long time and it will also set the pace for geopolitics for the rest of 21st Century.

WHO WINS, WHO CARES!! Every nation is busy trying to serve it’s national interests.  The US set up the Ukraine conflict way back, with Eastward expansion of NATO to create an existential security dilemma for Russia. Ukraine has been made the sacrificial lamb to weaken Russia and deplete the threat from Russia to Europe and NATO.  Initially, they lured Ukraine away from Russia with the carrot of NATO and EU memberships. Then they almost coerced Russia to attack Ukraine by instigating Putin to do so and always threatening him with dire consequences. However, when Russia attacked, all NATO and EU members ditched Ukraine. They did not put boots on ground to defend Ukraine and are clapping from own roof tops, while Ukraine is being reduced to rubble. Now they are ruthlessly arming Ukraine to prolong the war and thereby weaken Russia, as much as possible. A scan of major players in this game and their aim to benefit from this war are discussed in the succeeding narrative.

Ukraine

The biggest loser in this war will be Ukraine only. Ukraine could not understand the games of western countries and played along till the gallows. Unfortunately, it‘s still going along the garden path. Whosoever wins, Ukraine will be   severely mauled. Loss of lives, human sufferings, displacement of families, crippling damage to its economy and destruction of infrastructure will take decades to be restored. Political patronage to NATO/ USA or Russia is also written on the wall. Zelensky is being foolhardy by pressing on against Russia at the behest of NATO .When USA and NATO did not come to defend him against Russian aggression, he should have understood their game, agreed to not joining NATO, remained a buffer state   and saved the destruction of his country.

Apart from major influx of weapons, war equipment and logistics aid,   large number of mercenaries are operating in Ukraine.  Britain is a major supplier of mercenaries for the US. Johnson’s Ukraine visit would have been to get first hand assessment of these covert operations. There are serious doubts over the stage management of Bucha killings, using mercenaries and terrorists.  Large numbers of unaccounted for weapons are pouring into Ukraine. After the war, these will find their way to terrorist organizations and Ukraine with weak administration will provide   safe sanctuaries, for terrorists.

Ukraine is likely to witness many more civilian casualties in coming months. Apparently, the conflict is poised for another sinister turn.  If the   war escalates to weapons of mass destruction, Ukraine will find itself at ground ZERO. The situation has the potential to escalate beyond their imagination.

 RUSSIA

Russia claims itself to be the political heir and successor of the  USSR.   After the collapse of Soviet Union, most of its  former Soviet  nation states slowly inched  closer to the West.    Russia   would always prefer a neutral Eastern Europe neighbour as a buffer state but geopolitics provides strange combos.  After Crimea War in  2014,  unable to defend itself, Ukraine started romancing with NATO, which irked Russia and hence Putin  invaded Ukraine. Russia has acted in it’s national interest before the enemy knocks at it’s door.

Russia had predicted to wrap up Ukraine war by swift blitzkrieg operations resulting in defeat of Ukraine forces and surrender of Zelensky Govt.  Unfortunately,  that did not happen and  the war is now dragged to more than two months without tangible gains.  Russia is now looking for a face saving exit before the sanctions start hitting them seriously. Russia has stated that they will not hesitate to use nuclear weapons if their existence is threatened. If USA and Europe corner Putin, he may well use   weapons of mass destruction.   This may lead to a riposte  from the West and likely to snowball into a larger nuclear confrontation. The prolonged war is not in  Russia’s interest but it’s stuck in it’s own quagmire.

NATO & EU

The Eastward expansion of NATO, after the collapse of USSR, is primarily responsible for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  They have managed to weaken their primary foe (Russia), since cold war days, without firing a bullet from it’s soil. Ukraine is just part of collateral damage for them, which they really don’t care. Cornering of Russia jointly by NATO countries may lead to  escalation of war to nuclear exchange.  This could turn Europe into a wasteland.

Economic Sanctions are double edged weapons. After the initial fall, ruble is rising again.   More European gas buyers  are now paying for Russian energy in rubles. Russia and friendly countries are finding alternative to SWIFT banking system. Russia is using oil, gas and gold as weapons against sanctions. In times to come, supremacy of dollar as international trading currency may weaken. Europe also has been hit with record inflation. People in UK are using wood to tide over the energy crisis. Smaller EU members  will be badly hit by inflation and rising energy costs.

USA

Who wins, who cares, but the counties that go to war are destroyed forever. It’s interesting to note that America has never fought a war on it’s own soil.  USA wants to retain it’s supremacy in the unipolar world at all costs. Destruction of Ukraine is a small price for it like many other countries it has ruined in it’s quest for ‘The Superpower tag’. Iraq and Afghanistan are just two recent examples.

The US aim has since changed from regime change in Moscow to weaken the Russian war machine.   The US is adding fuel to the fire, to keep prolonging the war in Ukraine. Depending on the situation, Russia with its back to the wall may resort to nuclear weapons.  However, it’s naïve to think, on part of America, that heat of full scale nuclear war will not reach Washington. Put to wall, Putin may react in a manner that it results in a  nuclear holocaust where the whole civilization may be wiped out from the earth, leaving it uninhabitable for centuries to come.

China

China is very keenly watching the war at the western theatre. Against all expectations, it has not openly sided with Russia and maintained a neutral instance with a stoic silence. When Russia is back to wall and will request China for financial and military help, PRC will extract it’s pound of flesh, for the help at that time. It’s also keenly watching US and NATO reaction to Russian invasion, before it makes up it’s mind on annexation of Taiwan.

Prolonged war is in favour of China, so that USA and Europe remains busy with war at next door and does not focus on South China Sea developments. Either way, China is very clever and it will act in the best interest of it’s national aim. China is waiting for the world to tire themselves in Ukraine, thereby helping China to catapult itself to centre stage of world politics.

India

India has taken a path of principled neutrality. Both Russia and NATO are persuading India to take a side and make it’s stand clear. So far, India has been able to tread this thin line with great finesse. It has taken advantage of oil  at discounted rates from Russia. At the same time, it has managed to convince Washington about it’s national interests and avoid  the sanctions or CATSAA against it. POTUS has taken a mature stand and stated that US understands India’s specific needs and neutral stand due to its own compulsions. The European nations trying to preach sovereignty to India have been given a shut up call by Indian  External Affairs Minister, Sri S Jai Shankar.

It’s because of successful diplomacy by India that foreign dignitaries from all over the world are making a bee line to India. It’s an appreciation of PM Narendra Modi’s excellent relations with world leaders from both sides that everyone wants him to play an active role in mediation and help to end the war, as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The Russian invasion in Ukraine isn’t just Russian and Ukrainian affair. Moreover, the rest of the world is also equally affected because of Russian invasion and Western sanctions on Russia. Whole  world  will be adversely affected in  trade, tourism, economic growth, connectivity, energy security, food security, forex generation and military modernization. It has the potential to fundamentally reshape the global landscape and a new world order will emerge post Ukraine war.

Every country has so far played the game to it’s national interest. Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi is master of converting threats into opportunities. He did that by efficiently handling  COVID crisis and providing free vaccination to largest population in the world.  He has proved his statesmanship again with Ukraine war. He has kept India’s national interests supreme, evacuated Indians from Ukraine with perfection, got fuel at   reduced rates and also enhanced the image of the country, during this crisis. He has won accolades even from Prime Minister of Pakistan.  India is all set to play a pivotal role in the world geopolitics, post Ukraine war.

(Maj Gen C P Singh, is a social activist, career consultant and a motivational speaker)